So, I feel really bad as I have not updated in forever, but lately, I just have not had the inspiration until tonight. But having two partially sliced up fingers doesn't really help either, so I have to type slower than normal. My apologies for the long wait and I hope this makes up for some of the delay. Since my school schedule is just this one week till break, I shall attempt to update some of my other stories as well, but no promises on anything until I'm off.
Jo was released a few days later, with strict instructions not to be walking around on the ice and for Zane to keep an eye on her. The last she had frowned upon, but finally acquiesced after he persuaded her with a make out session once they arrived at Jo's place. After setting up her things and making her tea while she changed and showered, Zane sat down with Jo on her couch, her watching the fire as she drank her tea, while he watched her.
Sipping it absentmindedly, Jo wrapped both her hands around the mug to warm her hands. Noticing this, Zane pulled her closer to him, being mindful of her ankle, and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, contentedly rested his head on top of hers. Feeling as though this was almost a delusional scene, Jo nestled closer to him and closed her eyes, also feeling very much at ease. Zane glanced down at her and rearranged them so that they were both laying down, his back and neck propped up against the arm of the couch with Jo resting on his chest.
There was really something to be said for Christmas vacation, Zane thought as he watched her, fascinated with Jo. He just couldn't get enough of her, though, as his thoughts had turned to her every spare second recently. Especially after the best night of his life that he couldn't stop thinking about. But it wasn't just about the amazing woman currently lying drowsily on him. What they had was special and Zane wanted to keep that forever. That being said, Zane's mind drifted a bit as he was slowly lulled to sleep by Jo's rhythmic breathing of sleep, and the crackle from the fireplace. His hazy subconscious suggested a lovely scene of him and Jo like this, falling asleep together for many nights forever more, and his conscious mind didn't have time to object or pretend to deny it before he fell asleep.
EUReKA
Jo dreamed in color. They were sharp, vivid colors, almost believable. However, the scene was anything but. In high definition, her worst nightmare (now) played out.
It felt like everything was playing out in fast forward, as Zane stood near her, shouting at her, but try as she might, she couldn't make out what he was yelling at her for. Then, he pointed once at her stomach and went to slap her. She knew that he had hit her, though no pain registered. Tears fell unheeded down her cheeks, blurring her vision. She opened her mouth to say something, say anything, to get him to turn back to her as he left her, an air of finality tangible in the wake. Screaming soundlessly at him, she tried to throw herself at him, but it was as if an invisible barrier held her back, away from Zane's shrinking back. Finally managing it, she felt herself passing the barrier, … just as she sat up, the blanket falling to her waist.
Shuddering in the cold air from the dream, Jo put her hands back, … and touched warm flesh. Nearly jumping out of her skin, Jo quickly yanked back her hands and turned. Equal parts relief and anxiety flashed through her as she realized it was only Zane. She also noticed that at some time during the night, she'd shifted so she was laying directly next to Zane, and partially on him. He'd unconsciously molded his body so that it curved around hers and gave her maximum body heat coverage. His arms still lay loosely around her waist, as did the blanket that he'd covered them with before they'd fallen asleep. The fire had been banked when she hadn't noticed, too.
Peering absently at the fire, Jo thought back to her dream, which had become a manifestation of her deepest fears and worries about continuing whatever it was that she and Zane had now, and how he'd react to her pregnancy.
Jo had been too caught up in her musings that she didn't notice when a pair of dark blue eyes opened quietly and started watching her. However, she did startle when he reached up and tugged gently on her loose hair.
"You're getting that thinking wrinkle on your forehead, JoJo. Care to share?" he scooted over some to give her more room as she rolled onto her stomach to get more comfortable and also to be able to see him. He then resumed playing with her hair which had come down the evening before and waited patiently for her to explain her thoughts.
Yanking the blanket back up against her suddenly cold back, she lowered her head to look at her hands apprehensively before addressing her concern bluntly.
"Zane, what do you think of children?" she delivered abruptly, staring at him, vulnerability showing through her eyes.
Zane, his eyes locked on hers, was openly confused and not-so-openly shocked. The question had been a little random, but a valid one. He'd never really thought about it, but now that she'd brought it up, he couldn't really see himself ever wanting kids with anyone other than Jo. She was smart (enough for him), sexy, beautiful, badass, and had stolen his heart when he wasn't looking. Deliberating over whether to surprise Jo with this bit of thought; she mistook his hesitation for a negative answer.
Dropping her head, she mumbled, "stupid question, never mind."
Zane reached forward and pulled her chin up, so that she was looking at him. "No, no, it's not. I love kids, and while this is probably a bit premature, I would love lots of kids someday with you, but they have to look as adorable and beautiful as you do."
While Zane thought that Jo would finally explain, she just hung her head and fiddled with the empty chain around her neck. A remote part of his brain noted that she still wore it, though the ring now burned a hole in his jeans pocket, instead of being around her neck. However, he might be returning it to her a whole lot sooner than he originally thought…
Jo, deciding that she might as well get it over with, dropped the other shoe. "Well…you may not have to wait that long. Zane…I'm pregnant."
Zane froze as the words repeated themselves over and over again in his brain while he could only gape at Jo.
So I feel that this is an appropriate cliffy to leave it at, as I have several thousand tests and projects due this week, which, sadly, will not allow me to write more than this, so enjoy it until next week when I will update as much as possible, I promise!
